Patent · US Expired

Ball joint

US4995755A · kind A · utility

27Cited by
30References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 23, 1989
Grant dateFeb 26, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 23, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T403/4949
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A ball joint includes a pair of generally hemispheric head members including facing surfaces. A bearing member is disposed between the facing surfaces. One of the head members is connected to a ball stud, the other includes a shank hole through which the ball stud passes. Both head members are enclosed in a ball seat which is deformed into conformity with a generally spherical outer surface of the combined first and second head members by a socket that is formed about them. An elastic member between the socket and the ball seat applies an axial force to said first and second head members, whereby a substantial preload on the ball joint permits take-up of wear during use.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.